suffer agony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer agony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of experiencing intense pain or distress, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "After the accident, he had to suffer agony for weeks before he could walk again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

God told Eve that she was basically a breeding machine who would suffer agony in childbirth and Adam that he could, in effect, sign up to Tinder and have decades of stress-free fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said over and over again, "I suffer agony in anticipation of meeting people for fear they won&apos t like me". No man could have been less justified in such a fear.

The New York Times

In the first, one person suffers agony for a hundred years; while in the second a million people suffer agony for a hundred years minus a day.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Whitehall officials would suffer agonies trying to measure creativity, imagination, life skills or self-esteem.

The Guardian - Opinion

What to most people would be cause for a minor outbreak of sheepishness can lead Knausgaard to suffer agonies of mortification.

The Guardian - Books

Very many caring parents already suffer agonies of guilt as they support their children through these conditions, which can be debilitating and frightening.

The Guardian

Insomniacs who suffer agonies as they lie awake night after night soon learn that it is far better to get up and do something – anything – rather than thrash about with only their restless mind for company.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't shirk it, or when you're old you will suffer agonies of remorse.

Huffington Post

The headteacher who applied the sap of aloes suffered agony.

The Guardian

The next day, he e-mailed to say, "I suffered agony for you — it was met with disappointment and derision.

The New Yorker

The next day, he e-mailed to say, "I suffered agony for you it was met with disappointment and derision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffer agony", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the intense pain or distress. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer agony" to describe minor inconveniences or discomfort. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant physical or emotional pain to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer agony" functions as a verb phrase, where "suffer" is the verb and "agony" is the noun, acting as the direct object. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts to express intense pain or distress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer agony" is used to describe the experience of intense physical or emotional pain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "suffer agony", it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the significant level of distress it conveys, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Related phrases such as "endure torment" or "experience anguish" can be used as alternatives depending on the nuances you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffer intensely

Focuses on the high degree or level of suffering experienced.

feel excruciating pain

Emphasizes the extremely high level of physical pain.

endure torment

Focuses on the prolonged nature and intensity of the suffering.

experience anguish

Emphasizes the mental or emotional aspect of the suffering.

undergo suffering

A more general term for experiencing pain or hardship.

bear the brunt

Highlights the承受 the most severe impact of a negative experience.

go through hell

An idiomatic expression indicating a very difficult or unpleasant experience.

languish in pain

Suggests a prolonged state of suffering, often due to illness or confinement.

be in distress

A broader term for experiencing significant trouble or suffering.

face hardship

Highlights the difficult conditions or circumstances causing the suffering.

FAQs

What does "suffer agony" mean?

The phrase "suffer agony" means to experience intense physical or emotional pain. It suggests a state of extreme distress or hardship.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "suffer agony"?

Use "suffer agony" when describing situations involving extreme pain, distress, or hardship. It's best suited for scenarios where the suffering is significant and profound.

What are some alternative ways to say "suffer agony"?

You can use alternatives like "endure torment", "experience anguish", or "feel excruciating pain" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "suffer agony" and "undergo suffering"?

While both phrases describe experiencing pain, "suffer agony" implies a more intense and acute level of distress compared to the broader term "undergo suffering".